Trunk Mount Bike Rack for a 2008 Mini Cooper and 1999 Audi A6

Question:

Is there a Thule rack or any rack with cable locks to lock rack to car and bike to rack that will fit a 1999 Audi A6 and a 2008 Mini Cooper hatchback? In particular, my concerns are for the mini with the wind damper on the top of the hatch over which the straps have to go to hang into the hatch and the weight of the rack with 1-2 bikes on it denting either car trunk. Thanks!

asked by: Tina N

Expert Reply:

The best option for you is going to be the Hollywood Racks Over-The-Top Rack # HRF2. This rack has an upper arm piece that will lift the top straps over that spoiler on your 2008 Mini Cooper so they are not touching it.

The rack possibly denting the bumper of your vehicles is a possibility with any trunk mount rack and vehicle. The lighter the bikes the less likely it is to happen. I own a trunk mount rack that holds three bikes and my vehicle has a plastic bumper and I have not had any trouble yet with dents or damage to the vehicle.

If you will be carrying any bikes that do not have a top frame bar that goes straight across (like a typical mens bike would) then I recommend using bike adapter bar # HRBA-PRO. This will allow you to carry those bikes more level and will provide better ground clearance. I have to use these adapters and without them my wifes bike would be at a severe angle and I would not be able to load my sons bike at all.

expert reply by: Michael H